CME Coalition Applauds FDA approval of REMS for ER/LA Opioid Analgesics

July 9, 2012 - PRLog -- Today, the CME Coalition (http://www.cmecoalition.org/) applauded the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on its approval of a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) for extended release/long acting opioid analgesics.

The CME Coalition strongly supports the FDA’s efforts on prescriber education for long acting opioids through today’s Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies program.

Andrew Rosenberg, Senior Advisor to the CME Coalition stated, “When there is a public health imperative, such as the abuse of long acting opioids, continuing education of providers is integral to improving patient outcomes and advancing the health of the country.”

Rosenberg continued, “We are pleased that the FDA views CME as a change agent and valuable resource to improve caregiver behavior in this vital area.”

The CME Coalition represents a collection of continuing medical education provider companies, in addition to other supporters of CME and the vital role it plays in our health care system. Its member organizations manage and support development of healthcare continuing education programs that impact more than 500,000 physicians, nurses and pharmacists annually.
Graduation from medical school and completion of residency training are the first steps in a career-long educational process for physicians. To take advantage of the growing array of diagnostic and treatment options, physicians must continually update their technical knowledge and practice skills. CME is a mainstay for such learning.